future Archives

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft is implementing a policy change in Windows Update that will no longer display older legacy drivers when a newer version is available. This update is being rolled out but does not affect the replacement of newer drivers manually installed from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia. The initiative is described as a “periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update,” primarily targeting OEMs. When a driver expires and a newer version exists, the older driver will be removed from Windows Update listings. This cleanup focuses on legacy drivers, and while users may not notice significant changes, it aims to streamline the update process. Future expansions may include expired drivers without replacements, but currently, the focus is on legacy drivers with available updates. OEMs can republish expired drivers with justification. The policy will not resolve issues where manually installed drivers are replaced by older versions via Windows Update, as Windows Update drivers may have higher version numbers despite being older. The policy does not affect users on unsupported hardware, as a driver is only marked as “expired” when a new replacement is available.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Stellar Blade is a prime example of how PC ports should be done – ultrawide compatibility and stable performance are a must

The gaming community has expressed frustration over poorly optimized PC ports, with recent titles like Rise of the Ronin, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Monster Hunter Wilds suffering from stuttering issues and heavy reliance on upscaling technologies. Many contemporary games lack ultrawide compatibility, which is increasingly expected as ultrawide displays become more popular. Stellar Blade is noted for its exceptional performance and optimization, including support for ultrawide screens up to a 32:9 aspect ratio. It achieves over 60 frames per second (fps) at 1080p on medium settings on an Asus ROG Ally, with frame rates reaching 112fps using AMD Frame Generation. The Steam Deck also performs well, reaching 60fps on lower settings. On desktop systems with high-end hardware like the RTX 4080 Super and AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, Stellar Blade consistently exceeds 100fps at maximum settings without needing Nvidia's Frame Generation. Despite some titles showing good optimization, many triple-A releases still suffer from poor PC adaptations, disappointing gamers with high-end hardware. Handheld gaming PCs are becoming more popular, and successful ports like Stellar Blade provide hope for future game releases.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Survival game Once Human now has custom servers, complete with all manner of tweakable parameters

Once Human has introduced custom, dedicated servers to enhance player experience, officially backed by developer NetEase Games. Players can use these private servers for various gameplay styles, including building environments or survival challenges. A YouTube stream is scheduled to provide a new roadmap, reveal the next scenario, share insights on upcoming features, and update on community events. Additionally, updates on the PvP spinoff, Once Human: Raidzone, set to launch in July, will be included.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

NetEase’s ‘first AAA singleplayer’ game is Blood Message, and it looks amazing in its first trailer

Blood Message is a new action-adventure game developed by NetEase's 24 Entertainment Lin'an Studio, marking the company's first AAA single-player title. It is designed to provide a cinematic experience using Unreal Engine 5 and will be available on PC and consoles. The game features a narrative centered around a father and son during a righteous uprising in Shazhou, Dunhuang, exploring themes of duty and family. The development team emphasizes the importance of ordinary individuals in history. The trailer highlights the game's historical context, showcasing a fictionalized restoration of a mural related to the Dunhuang uprising. More information and updates can be found at blood-message.com.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This open-source tool gave me the Windows desktop I’ve always wanted

JaxCore is an open-source suite designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience through customization. It operates as a collection of plugins and tools built on the Rainmeter platform, providing users with various widgets for their desktops. JaxCore simplifies the customization process with pre-made tools and allows for deeper customization for those familiar with coding. The suite includes modules like YourFlyouts, YourMixer, ValliStart, Keylaunch, and IdleStyle, as well as widgets such as ModularVisualizer, ModularClocks, ModularPlayers, and Plainext. Although JaxCore is no longer under active development, users can still utilize it, though they may encounter bugs. The author successfully customized their desktop with a media player, clock, and revamped start menu, enhancing their workflow and aesthetic experience. They express a desire to further explore JaxCore and other customization tools.

Tech Optimizer

June 21, 2025

New OLTP: Postgres With Separate Compute and Storage

Reynold Xin, co-founder of Databricks, highlighted the outdated nature of online transaction processing (OLTP) databases, which have not evolved significantly since the 1990s and face issues like over-provisioning and performance challenges. Databricks is introducing Lakebase, a product that separates compute from storage to enhance the efficiency of transactional databases, particularly for AI applications. Lakebase allows for instantaneous branching of databases, significantly improving workflow efficiency. Built on open-source Postgres, it supports various open storage formats and offers a copy-on-write capability to reduce costs. The separation of compute and storage is essential as streaming data becomes more integral to enterprises, enabling scalability and timely insights. Databricks aims to manage the entire data lifecycle, ensuring data remains within its ecosystem for rapid reporting and analytics. The integration of Lakebase with existing infrastructure enhances developer experience and operational maturity. The architecture supports extensive experimentation at minimal cost, fostering innovation. As AI agents become more prevalent, the focus on data evaluation and reliability will grow, necessitating a deeper examination of model accuracy.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

This free Android app helps me optimize my workflow

Saeed Wazir is a freelancer who uses Clockify, a time-tracking tool, to manage his work and family responsibilities. Clockify allows him to track his working hours, categorize them as billable or non-billable, and streamline his invoicing process. Previously, he used an Excel spreadsheet for logging work, which was time-consuming and error-prone. Clockify's Timesheet feature provides a detailed breakdown of his weekly work, helping him assess productivity and plan future tasks. The Reports feature offers an overview of total hours worked, categorized by project, allowing for better workload management. Clockify syncs between his phone and laptop, providing flexibility to access time-tracking data from anywhere. While he finds the free version sufficient, he notes that the mobile app lacks some features present in the desktop version. Clockify also offers subscription plans for larger teams with advanced features.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

An unofficial PC port of Mario Kart 64 is now available for download

The NES emulator, 3dSen, was fully released today, and a fan-driven project called SpaghettiKart, a PC version of Mario Kart 64, has also been unveiled. SpaghettiKart is created through reverse engineering and features clean code without any lines from the original game, allowing for public sharing. It requires players to generate the O2R from their own ROMs and currently supports only the US version of Mario Kart 64. Compatibility with Mario Kart 64 HD is uncertain, and while future enhancements like Path Tracing effects and an HD Texture Pack are hoped for, they have not been confirmed. SpaghettiKart includes unique PC-only features such as a Track Editor, Custom Track Importer, Crystal Clear Audio, Harder CPUs, and Freecam. It is available for download with an installation guide.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Understanding Android 14 Privacy Changes: Key Insights

The introduction of Android 14 features a sophisticated permissions model that requests app permissions only when needed, allowing users to choose between "approximate" and "precise" location access. Apps handling transactions must justify their need for real-time access. Background location usage must be disclosed in Play Store listings, and developers must complete Data Safety Forms. Android enforces scoped storage, isolating apps in sandboxed environments to reduce data leakage risks. Visual indicators for microphone and camera usage were introduced in Android 12, and Android 14 requires apps to specify the nature of access. In-app transactions in gaming apps must meet elevated security standards, including encryption and biometric logins, and undergo audits under PCI DSS. Background access for location services requires clear justification, and developers must submit a Permission Declaration Form. Google Play mandates disclosure of third-party SDKs and their data practices. User awareness is emphasized through concise permission dialogs and Data Safety summaries in Play Store listings. Secure login protocols like OAuth 2.0 are required for sensitive applications, with stronger encryption mandates. Apps for children must comply with COPPA and GDPR-K regulations, with manual reviews by the Play Store. Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to enhance privacy in advertising practices, with expected rollout in 2024.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

‘The Gilded Age,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ Haim’s ‘I Quit,’ and the best to stream this weekend: June 20, 2025

The Gilded Age returns for Season 3 on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, featuring Bertha aiming to establish her place in New York society and George expanding his railroads to California. Ada navigates her new role as the lady of the Brook house after marrying Rev. Forte, while Agnes deals with the implications of her sister's wealth. The season highlights evolving relationships and ambitious pursuits. The Waterfront, a family drama by Kevin Williamson, is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on the Buckley family in Havenport. The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, has its second season streaming on Apple TV+, following American women in 1870s London. Surviving Ohio State, an HBO documentary about Dr. Richard Strauss's abuse at Ohio State University, is available on Max. A Minecraft Movie, featuring Jack Black, is a popular choice among children and has grossed nearly a billion dollars. Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now on Disney+, capturing the West End production of the animated film. Ash, a sci-fi thriller starring Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul, is streaming on Shudder. KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical action-comedy about a K-pop girl group fighting demons. Friendship, a comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is available on VOD platforms. Haim has released a music video for "All Over Me," and rock band Wednesday has launched "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)," the second single from their upcoming album, Bleeds, set to release on September 19.